Now that’s what I love to hear….

I read in the Herald today that head coach Randy Shannon has raised upwards of $300,000 for The U’s athletic facilities.

Since assuming head coaching duties back in January, Shannon has been on a tear. A very solid recruiting class (assembled with an incomplete staff) after only one month on the job. Capable, experienced and hungry assistant coaches hired. A handful of 2008 recruits ready to sign on the dotted line next Februray. If he can turn this offense around come fall, that’s as impressive to this fan base as turning water to wine.

I heard a lot of talk during the hiring process that the knock on Shannon was an inability to gladhand, fundraise and ‘play the game’ of a head coach regarding booster events and speaking engagements.

How are the haters liking Randy now?

I was raised a ‘bottom line’ kind of guy. The proof is in the results; not the efforts or excuses why the job didn’t get done. Folks have been ranting and raving about Miami’s facilities, so coach Shannon decided to start fixing that situation his way. I like that. Get it done. Find a way.

This is the first time the Canes have a head coach who was a player during the glory days. When Randy calls, his former teammates, players he coached and other football alumni listen. It’s no mystery that The U’s athletic department can’t hang with the highly funded state schools across this nation. It never has and never will. Private school. Just about 10,000 undergrads.

To succeed in this modern era of college football, Miami will continue having to shuck and jive a bit. Think outside the box. Find a way to go above, around, underneath or though. A poignant letter to past Miami football players is just that. To date, upwards of 38 players have responded to raise over a quarter of a million dollars in a four month span. I believe that’s just the beginning.

So far we know that Edgerrin James plunked down $50,000. New linebacker coach and former Miami linebacker Micheal Barrow? $33,000. Cortez Kennedy was good for $25,000. Jon Vilma kicked in $10,000 and it’s been reported that Darrin Smith and Jessie Armstead are looking to each match Barrow’s amount. That’s $99,000 from the Bermuda Triangle alone.

Also note that Russell Maryland, Kelly Jennings, Don Bailey Jr. and Kenard Lang have contributed as well and many expect a big time donation from Michael Irvin after he gets his post-ESPN affairs settled. The cherry on top? A local businessman and die hard Cane has agreed to match the grand total.

In an effort to call some folks out, I am really hoping that Warren Sapp and Ray Lewis step up here and give something back. Both guys seem to disappear when it comes time to pony up some cash for this beloved program. Seems we’re always hearing from the same guys like EJ who are always giving back. Time for some other greats to step up and do the same. Both Sapp and Lewis have made damn nice livings in the NFL and neither would be where they are today if The U wasn’t their platform to showcase themselves in the early 90s.

On a side note, who else thinks Drew Rosenhaus is due for a donation? Drew-boy got his degree from The U and consistently swoops down on our underclassmen with no remorse. Don’t be afraid to kick down a few duckets to the hometown program which lined your pockets, D-Ro.

When we say stuff like “it’s a Canes thing” or create a shirt like “U FAMILY” this is exactly what we’re talking about. Whether it’s the program rallying around the murder of a beloved player, setting the bar high, demanding excellence or seeing former players put their money where their mouths are, it just drives the point home that it’s all about The U.

Great work, coach Shannon. Keep it up and ignore the critics. And to all the Cane moms out there, a very happy mothers’ day.

.:Canes305:.

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